Big 10 Men’s Basketball Players to watch as conference play kicks off
Here’s a list of 10 hoopers in the big 10 that are poised to tear the league up as we creep closer into conference play. No question each guy on this list has star power and word to the great Dicki V, “Diaper Dandies Baby”!!
Jaden Ivey, Purdue
Position: G
Height and Weight: 6’4”, 195 lbs.
Age: 19
Jaden Ivey is really like that. A dynamic shooting guard that can get to the rim at will, leverages his ball handling ability and basketball IQ to manipulate defenses to get in the paint. Averaging 16.4 points a game he’s also improved his 3 point percentage by almost 14% shooting the three at 39% clip, while adding a little over 5 rebounds a game. There’s always room for improvement. With more gym time let’s hope to see his midrange game develop along with showing more consistently at the line. Sure fire lottery pick and can’t miss prospect.
2. EJ Lidell, Ohio St.
Position: SF/PF
Height and Weight: 6’7”, 240lbs
Age: 20
Ej Liddell is a 6’7” Junior Forward who you all should know by now. In his junior season he’s averaging 20.6 points per game, a little over 7 rebounds a game on 56% from the field. Liddell is a force in the paint seemingly always getting advantageous post position on both ends of the floor. Rebounding comes easy to him. I’ve watched his jump shot evolve into a real threat and would love to see his mid range and 3 point shot become more consistent. Still can be hesitant to take outside shots and lacks the ball handling skills to create his own shot. I see a mid to late 2nd Round draft pick this year in Liddell.
3. Johnny Davis, Wisconsin
2021 Maui Invitational MVP, Johnny Davis
Position: G
Height and Weight: 6’5”, 196 lbs.
Age: 19
Sophmore guard Johnny Davis is a killer. Averaging a little under 21 points a game, Davis is one of the elite scorers in the country. He moves well off the ball for someone his age and passes well labeling him a solid playmaker. Davis passes the eye test. This dude is a late first round pick and if the Badgers play late into March could shoot up draft boards. Don’t sleep!!
4. Hunter Dickinson, Michigan
Position: C
Height and Weight: 7’1”, 260 lbs.
Age: 21
The 7’1” Sophomore from Virginia was a consensus All American as a freshman in 2021. When asked about why he pulled his name out of the NBA draft Dickinson admitted, “I didn’t want to be a mid-to-late second round pick.” It was a the right choice. Dickinson is averaging 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds a game and despite Michigans early woes has been the go-to guy. He’s a physical center who can score in the low post but can also shoot the 3 ball of the catch. He’s shot looks improved from last season and seems to trust his outside shot more. It will be interesting to see if he can be the catalyst to turn Big Blue’s season around but regardless will be on scouts radar all year.
5. Max Christie, Michigan St.
Position: G
Height and Weight: 6’6”, 190 lbs
Age: 18
Max Christie is a 6’6” freshman guard out of Rolling Meadows Illinois. A former five-star recruit Max has stepped In as the apparent go-to perimetar weapon for Sparty. His size for his position will play at the next level, he has a consistent and fluid shot from the mid range and behind the arch, and has shown early signs to hit contestant shots over defenders. Not the bounciest but can elevate in the paint when needed. Despite his early shooting struggles Izzo has stuck with him; averaging around 30 minutes a game on a loaded Michigan St. team. A year in the weight room will do him justice. Not a 1 and done, but 2 and done guy no question.
6. Kofi Cockburn, Illinois
Position: C
Height and Weight: 7’0”, 285 lbs.
Age: 22
The 7’0” Junior Center playing for the Illini was the pre-season BIG10 player of the year. There’s no eye test Kofi doesn’t pass. Putting up 21.4 points a game along with 12 rebounds a game, he’s a proven force in the interior that the big 10 has no answer for. Not even Jack Edey of Purdue. However, his lack of outside shooting coupled with his below average defense on the perimeter specially in pick-and-roll situations have folks questioning will his game translate to the NBA. Cockburn is a late second round/two way contract guy once he enters the draft this year.
7. Caleb Houstan, Michigan
Position: G
Weight and Height: 6’8”, 205lbs.
Age: 18
6’8” Freshman Small Forward from Canada,Caleb Houstan, is a very intriguing prospect. Another high IQ guy in the league Houston makes the right plays with the ball. Averaging a little over 30 minutes a game Houston has put together a nice offensive highlight reel with season high 17 points against San Diego St. and 16 at Nebraska. A very good free throw shooter and efficient 3 point percentage at 40% , Houstan is going to attract national attention this year. He projects as a guy who can be a very solid two way player in the league. The more I watch Houstan the more I see his NBA comparison being Kyle Kuzma. Has ideal size for a wing and as he matures and strengthens we’ll see him physically dominate the big 10 for years to come.
8. Ron Harper Jr., Rutgers
Position: SF
Weight and Height: 6’6”, 245 lbs.
Age: 21
Son of renowned former NBA player, Ron Harper Jr., is a hybrid guard who can really hoop. A career 11.4 shooting 43.8 percent from the field, is an interesting prospect at the next level. An extremely versatile and multi-dimensional scorer, Harper Jr. has proven he can score at every level. After withdrawing his name from the NBA Draft process, he entered the season on the preseason Watch List for the Julius Erving Award (nation’s top small forward). Let’s hope for a healthy and strong year out of Harper and wouldn’t be surprised to see Harper’s name called in the 2nd round of next years draft.
9. Trevion Williams, Purdue
Position: PF
Height and Weight: 6’10”, 255 lbs.
Age: 21
Trevion Williams is a 6’10” hybrid Forward putting up a little over 14 points and 9 rebounds a game. A physical presence down low, Trevion is essentially automatic in the pain and excels at scoring off the ball. He’s is an above average passer making him a viable playmaker on the perimeter. A tad undersized for the next level, I have him slated as a late second round draft pick for the 2022 draft.
10. Julian Reese, Maryland
Position: PF
Height and Weight: 6’9”, 229 lbs.
Age: 18
A consensus four-start recruit across all national recruiting outlets Julian Reese is a 6-9 Freshman, Forward out of Baltimore, MD. A new low post addition along with Georgetown transfer Qudis Wahab, Reese has done some really good things early on for the terps. averaging around 7 points on 17.5 minutes a game. He runs the court well, can finish with his back to the basket, and has active hands. He’s averaging a little over a block a game which has got to be great for his confidence right now. A ton of development to be made with his jump job and on the defensive end; particular high ball screens. I wouldn’t surprised if he finished in double digit in points this year and plays an impact role in Maryland’s Big 10 success.
